Commonly known as piles, hemorrhoids resemble cushions of tissues in the anal region; they are filled with blood vessels, and support tissue, muscle, and elastic fibers. In their normal state, they are cushions that help with stool control. They become a disease when swollen or inflamed.

According to a study, half the population in the U.S.A suffers from hemorrhoids by the time they reach the age of 50.

Types Of Hemorrhoids
Internal Hemorrhoids:

Generally painless, even when there’s some bleeding. The tissue which hangs out of the anus can be felt physically. It is associated with discomfort, pain and itching. Large internal hemorrhoids can induce the sensation of fullness in the rectum.
External Hemorrhoids: The type with bluish lumps that can be seen and felt. They can bleed if broken. They are known to be painful due to the highly sensitive overlapping skin. Blood clotting in external hemorrhoids causes severe pain. Once they get dissolved, they leave behind a loose skin called the skin tag.
Thrombosed hemorrhoids: Sometimes blood may accumulate in the external hemorrhoid. They form a clot called as thrombus that can result in severe pain, inflammation, swelling, and a hard lump near the anus.

Symptoms
A hard lump can be felt around the anal region. This lump consists of clotted blood, called the thrombosed external hemorrhoid. This can be painful to a certain extent.
Fullness even after visiting the toilet.
Blood flow along with the fecal matter.
Itchiness and discomfort around the anus region.
Mucus discharge while defecating.
Painful bowel movement.
Red and sore anus.
Swelling observed around the anus.

Prognosis Of Hemorrhoids
Application of a small amount of petroleum jelly is advisable to put on the anus in order to make the process of defecating less painful. Forcefully defecating is a bad idea. Instead, use creams or ointments made for hemorrhoid symptoms.

Home remedies
Fiber-rich diet is advised for patient suffering from hemorrhoids. It is recommended to incorporate a regular exercise routine as it aids in softening stools and ensure regular bowel movement. These habits shun away constipation and the need to strain during a bowel movement. A sitz bath, which is a warm water bath for the buttocks, and various topical over-the-counter creams can soothe swollen hemorrhoids and reduce the discomfort. Severe pain associated with blood clotting in external hemorrhoids may need a minor surgery.

Stapling
Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is a more recent technique.
The prolapsed internal hemorrhoids are stapled back to their original position. This procedure is less painful than a traditional hemorrhoidectomy. It allows quicker recovery, but is generally considered less effective. This is because there is a chance for it to occur again.

Hemorrhoidectomy
When hemorrhoid has enduring symptoms or if the pain worsens in spite of other treatments, a surgery is required. During a hemorrhoidectomy, the affected blood vessels are castrated and removed through an incision around the hemorrhoid. This operation is performed under a general anesthesia and it requires a shorter recovery period.
Both internal and external hemorrhoids can be removed by hemorrhoidectomy. They have a very thin chance of recurrence.